Share

Good morning, readers. Welcome to the Maven's Morning Coffee -- a listing of the important headlines, news conferences, public meetings and announcements you need to know to fuel up and tackle your day.

Today is Wednesday, Jan. 16, and here is what's happening in Los Angeles:

Headlines

Los Angeles Times writer Jim Newton recaps a recent debate among candidates for city attorney. "Although devoted in part to questions of faith, morality and responsibility, the discussion also featured a number of sharp exchanges over the effectiveness of the incumbent, Carmen Trutanich, and the credentials and ideas of his challengers," according to the post, which includes video.

A vote on whether to place a storm water pollution fee on the ballot was deferred by the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, reports the Los Angeles Times. The protest period will remain open for another 60 days.

The Daily Beast likens the construction of Farmers Field to an economic Hail Mary pass. "Sports franchises are very, very small potatoes. The numbers sound big, but a major department store in Los Angeles will generate more jobs revenue and income than an NFL franchise," according to an economics professor at Temple University.

Rep. Ted Deutch outmaneuvered Southern California's Rep. Brad Sherman as the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, according to Roll Call. "Sherman, D-Calif., stepped aside Tuesday after it became apparent he did not have the votes to defeat Deutch, a replay of his decision not to challenge Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-N.Y., for the top Democratic spot of the full committee despite having more committee seniority," according to the piece.

The doors of Parker Center were officially closed Tuesday. The Los Angeles Times has an audio slideshow, voiced by Det. Gus Villanueva, on the historic police headquarters.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be live on KTLA between 8:10 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., he will help break ground on a $137 million intermodal rail project in Wilmington. The mayor will discuss gun violence at 2:30 p.m. during an availability at City Hall.

Meetings

8:30 a.m. Housing, Community and Economic Development Committee, City Hall, room 1010

Recommendation to increase funding for Neighborhood Stabilization Program activities

Previously in Represent!

Represent! is your eye on how well government serves citizens and the public interest in Southern California. KPCC's politics and government team posts frequently on transparency, civic engagement, reform efforts and accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions — follow us on Twitter at the links below.